Articles > Do we discern between the Real and the Unreal?

Girijâ Saraswati

Do we discern between the Real and the Unreal?

Awaken the conscience helps us to see our own limitations

June 26, 2016

The awakening of consciousness

This is the story of a man who at midnight saw a snake on the floor at his feet. He was so frightened ,he froze,stilled until the first light of dawn made him see the reality: that the snake has been indeed just a piece of string.

This is a story that illustrates very well what I want to share with you and that many Hindu teachers have used and still use today.

The paralysis that leads us to our fears

Becomingaware of what is real apparently seems easy. But while the person does not realize that what he "sees" is really individual insecurities, their fears or their own difficulties, to decide, to change this view, is a road that is difficult and complicated.

But while the person does not realize that what he "sees" is really individual insecurities, their fears or their own difficulties, to decide, to change this view, is a road that is difficult and complicated

When one becomes aware of what they are really living, the rope no longer looks like a snake, simple and plain before him, but perceived as learning to overcome, an obstacle that brought us an opportunity to move forward as a means to grow with.

What initially happens is that the mind identifies with fear and the person becomes paralyzed. The mind, according to his existential self in this moment, lives with opacity, too emotional, prevents the individual responding, from moving forward (because he believes it is a snake) and cannot take the distance to observe things as they are. This is where the person should start a change of attitude and get in the way of "awakening" the way of "giving birth".

We all need to have a critical spirit, in the good sense of the word, to observe-contemplate the events and discard thoughts that not allow us to see true reality.

But, how do I start?

Through observation, taking life with an attitude of witness and giving oneself a while to become aware! With the attitude of constant observation to see that what "we face" and that appears to us impossible to overcome "obstacles" we can go to see as an object of contemplation.

This attitude of placing ourselves as our own "witness" helps us to understand that everything is changing, modified according to our view of how the subject looks. We realize that all of the plurality of events and daily experiences are constantly transformed.

We all need to have a critical spirit, in the good sense of the word, to observe-contemplate the events and discard thoughts that not allow us to see true reality

With the observation we see what is real. With what we live as subjective and painful, becoming objective and acceptable to us ,developing character. Accept that everything is constantly changing, it relaxes us and allows us to live in peace.

Then everything takes on another dimension, a different perspective relative in our state of mind, this becomes transformed and vivid, lived from knowledge, from the light of wisdom.

I put to you another example, very typical of Hindu teachers, favorite Sankara:

One sees many vases, jugs, jars or just simple jars for tea. In all of them, we can see their physical characteristics, the type of material and how they are made, their nuances, if they are painted or not, many multiple diversities... We could say that there are as many differences as objects.

The truth is simply that they are all essentially clay, moulded into different shapes, but the simple fact is the simple and beautiful clay (or string, in the example above).

This is to say that when reached to contemplate what I see-happen to me-alive, the essence of "observed" is equal in all things. This can be achieved by a contemplative look, sharpened by knowledge with positive critical thinking.

So we realize that everything that we initially view as complicated, or difficult to accept and to know has its own resolution, when viewed with discernment, from an emotional distance, that allows the attitude of witness and contemplation. We are then able to watch and realize what it is "really that" which is taking place before me.

This attitude of placing ourselves as our own "witness" helps us to understand that everything is changing, modified according to our view of how the subject looks. We realize that all of the plurality of events and daily experiences are constantly transformed

How do I do to get it?

In these modern times, it seems that we all look for something that can quickly solve any setbacks, obstacles so that nothing hinders us on our way in constant motion. What I propose is precisely here that "pairs" that "let go", to allow yourself a "time" and "space" to empty yourself.

Be silent for a few minutes each day

Allow yourself every day to be "silent" for a few minutes. You can start with 3-5 minutes and gradually you can increase this time. Let yourself flow without requiring you too.

Allow yourself some time to become aware and observe what you live and how you perceive it. In order to "give birth" to what you may perceive as a snake that paralyzes you, when it is actually just a piece of string, but your mind and plans for their lack of discernment.

Live in the present

If we afford to stop, to witness, "contemplate" in the literal sense (to be inside the temple*) to stay in touch with yourself, perhaps we can see "born light" at dawn does morning. And see how the decline shows the passing of all, the shadows and the feeling of not-light, what is transitory. We can thus integrate the duality or complementary in our lives.

It will help us to see the seemingly invisible with our own eyes, but that is tangible within us. We will be more open to the real purpose for anything unreal that has troubled us and awaken the consciousness that "I am ". We learn to live the present and to be aware at all times.